FA back referee Dunn

The Football Association have leapt to the defence of referee Steve Dunn following his controversial decision to deny Derby a winner in yesterday's Barclaycard Premiership clash with Manchester United.

The Football Association have leapt to the defence of referee Steve Dunn following his controversial decision to deny Derby a winner in yesterday's Barclaycard Premiership clash with Manchester United.

Dunn disallowed Malcolm Christie's late strike in the 2-2 draw at Pride Park after ruling the forward had kicked the ball out of the grasp of United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez.

An FA statement read: "Following referee Steve Dunn's decision to disallow Malcolm Christie's goal against Manchester United yesterday, he has been heavily criticised in certain quarters.

"However, the FA would like to make it clear the referee was perfectly correct to take such action under the laws of the game.

"They clearly state, 'The goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hand or arms.

"'Possession of the ball includes the goalkeeper deliberately parrying the ball but does not include the circumstances where, in the opinion of the referee, the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper - for example, after he has made a save.'